In Conversation with Alobo Naga

Alobo Naga has been taking music to new heights and yet he seems to be so grounded. We were privileged to conduct an interview with him recently over email. We would like to express our gratitude and pray for his music to keep touching hearts.

1. We know you mostly through your songs but tell us something about your childhood - what was growing up like?

I was just like any other kid from Nagaland. I grew up singing and learning guitar as I have always wanted to be a singer when I grow up. I started singing by the age of 5 and wrote my first song when I was 11 years old.

2. When and how did you discover your interest and gift in music?

I don’t know if we could call it a gift. However, I was interested in music from a very early age. My mom said that every time we have guest at home, I would make them sit on the floor and let them watch me perform in front of them as I stood on the table or bed.

3. In our context making a career out of music is quite radical even today - when and how did you decide that, "this is what I will do"? Most importantly, how did you overcome the doubt and fear associated with a decision like this?

No one encouraged me to be a musician growing up. Like any Indian parents, my parents wanted me to become either a doctor, engineer or a civil servant. I did my masters in Political science and post-graduates diploma in Tourism Management just to please the society. But in 2008, I realized my calling and decided to invest full time in music. I made a commitment and surrendered my dreams to God and quit my job. I have been doing music full time till today by the grace of God. It is all about faith and obedience to God. 4. How do you overcome distraction like laziness, gadgets etc and get things done? How do you usually spend your normal days?

I am just another youth who loves gadgets and can be quite lethargic sometimes. Nonetheless, I know my responsibilities and I focused on my dreams and goals. If we have big dreams, we should also have an elaborate plan. If we lose our focus and lack determination, we will not be able achieve our goals. So, I work hard and work smart.

I usually spent my normal days by doing Bible study or having Quiet Time after waking up in the morning. Then I would do a light workout and have breakfast. I would then play music or compose it, after which I would eat lunch. Soon after, I would go to the studio or my music school for work. Later when I reach home, I spend time with family, work out, have prayer meeting, eat dinner, watch Netflix and then sleep. 5. The journey from "Painted Dreams" to "Kini" has been quite phenomenal, it has brought you and solidified your place in the mainstream music scene of India. Yet, you remain humble and so approachable - what's your secret? I know that everything comes from God, He can give and He can also take it away. So, I know I’ve got nothing to boast about as it is all a gift from God. All that I am today is only because of God and everything that I do is solely for His glory alone and for the fulfillment of His purpose. So, knowing this fact helps me to be grounded.

6. We can see that faith is an important part of who you are. In today's world faith is equated with religion and considered secondary - what prompts you to be so open about your faith?

When you love someone so much, you don’t hide your relationship; rather you protect it and declare it to the world. I love Jesus because He first loved me unconditionally. So, all I can do is to proclaim about His love to the world as I honestly want others to see Jesus and experience the same kind of love that I am receiving from Him. 7. Tell us how your faith in Jesus Christ influenced your creativity or the stories you tell through the songs?

Jesus is the smartest of all and the source of all wisdom, so all creativity, ideas and inspiration comes from Him. Therefore, I rely on Him. He leads me to experience different situations in life, reveal things to me from my surroundings so that I can write and compose my songs. 8. Many people dismiss the Bible as a religious book and therefore claim it to be irrelevant to the present world. What do you think about it as a creative person? What role can the message of the Bible play in a creative person's life?

Bible is full of wisdom besides being the word of GOD. If you want to have wisdom to be creative, you got it all in the Bible. We speak to God through our prayers and God speaks to us through the Bible. He guides, instruct and direct us in our creative process when we seek Him through His words. 9. What would be your message to those who are painting their dreams right now?

Dream big because our GOD is BIG!

Submit yourself to God first, surrender all your goals & dreams to God. You should ask God if it is His will by praying, fasting and carving your plans. You must stay focused and do not be lazy. Also, work smart and work hard. In the process, have Faith and don’t give up and remember that there is no short cut to success.

Lastly, never forget to thank God and give Him the credit. All glory belongs to Him